Issue after crossover steering installation

[Cdog_96]

Just installed ORD crossover steering on 1987 Chevy v10, got a 2wd reman box from Napa for this since it requires 2wd box. The Power steering pump is a reman but worked fine before the conversion, now with everything buttoned up and the system bled time and time again, I have no power steering at low rpms. Absolutely none at low speed or a stop, when the rpms are above 1000 and I am moving the truck steers like normal. I checked the preload on the ball joints and they are good, would this be an issue with the pump or the new gear box? Any help appreciated thanks

 

[PrairieDrifter]

Just installed ORD crossover steering on 1987 Chevy v10, got a 2wd reman box from Napa for this since it requires 2wd box. The Power steering pump is a reman but worked fine before the conversion, now with everything buttoned up and the system bled time and time again, I have no power steering at low rpms. Absolutely none at low speed or a stop, when the rpms are above 1000 and I am moving the truck steers like normal. I checked the preload on the ball joints and they are good, would this be an issue with the pump or the new gear box? Any help appreciated thanks

Make sure the belt is tight enough. Any squealing? I would say it's a pump issue.

 

[Moodyalaskan]

GM made power steering pump pulleys in diameters - 5.0 inches, 5.75 inches, 6.5 inches, and 6.625 inches. Maybe a smaller size pulley would spin the pump faster at idle and put out more pressure.

 

[Cdog_96]

Make sure the belt is tight enough. Any squealing? I would say it's a pump issue.

Belt is tight and spinning the pump fine, no squeal

 

[ali_c20]

Pump is not making enough pressure on low rpm. Have this issue on my K5 and Wife's Mustang. Below ~700 rpm no power steering on the Mustang and a bit on the K5.

 

[Cdog_96]

Pump is not making enough pressure on low rpm. Have this issue on my K5 and Wife's Mustang. Below ~700 rpm no power steering on the Mustang and a bit on the K5.

Didn't do that before the crossover install, wonder if I blew the pump going from stop to stop when bleeding, or it is just a **** pump like most these days

 

[75gmck25]

Exactly how did you bleed it?

You are supposed to have it jacked up with both front wheels off the ground, and then slowly turn the wheels full lock to lock about 10 times. I’m not sure how much difference it makes if you leave the wheels on the ground, but it definitely works the pump harder.

Another data point - I bled my replacement oump when it was connected to the stock box and it seemed to work well. However, last year I swapped to a new Borgeson steering box, and low speed assist now seems to be more inconsistent. Works fine if the truck is moving at all, but at a full stop the assist seems intermittently jerky.

 

[ali_c20]

Wife's Mustang has a Borgeson box and it looks to me that they need more pressure to operate.
K5 has an aftermarket box too.

 

[Cdog_96]

Exactly how did you bleed it?

You are supposed to have it jacked up with both front wheels off the ground, and then slowly turn the wheels full lock to lock about 10 times. I’m not sure how much difference it makes if you leave the wheels on the ground, but it definitely works the pump harder.

Another data point - I bled my replacement oump when it was connected to the stock box and it seemed to work well. However, last year I swapped to a new Borgeson steering box, and low speed assist now seems to be more inconsistent. Works fine if the truck is moving at all, but at a full stop the assist seems intermittently jerky.

Wheels jacked up off the ground, lock to lock more times than I can count

 

[Cdog_96]

Wife's Mustang has a Borgeson box and it looks to me that they need more pressure to operate.
K5 has an aftermarket box too.

Mine is a reman 2wd box from Napa, do the 2wd boxes need more pressure?

 

[ali_c20]

Mine is a reman 2wd box from Napa, do the 2wd boxes need more pressure?

I have no clue if that's the case.

 

[Zelph]

I agree with a pump issue, low psi or gpm.

Also to note, crossover steering will apply more lateral stress to the frame. If not already I would plate the frame and install the triangulation brace.
You can drill out the threads in the steering box and use a larger bolts with stover nuts.
It is imperative to keep the steering box bolts tight.

 

[Cdog_96]

I agree with a pump issue, low psi or gpm.

Also to note, crossover steering will apply more lateral stress to the frame. If not already I would plate the frame and install the triangulation brace.
You can drill out the threads in the steering box and use a larger bolts with stover nuts.
It is imperative to keep the steering box bolts tight.

I have both the bolt on and weld on brace on. Would a C30 pump work better? I heard they have higher pressure output

 

[Ricko1966]

If it works good above 1000rpm, change the pulley and speed up the pump.

 

[Olegmbuilder]

I would recommend a new stronger pump. Original GM if you can find one. But check the specs on your 4-wheel pump against the specs of the 2-wheel pump.